Liverpool have agreed a compensation deal with Swansea for Brendan Rodgers to become the new manager at Anfield.

The 39-year-old, who has always been a great supporter of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup, is expected sign a three-year contract with Liverpool and his appointment is likely to be officially confirmed later today.

Liverpool finished eighth in the league and sacked Kenny Dalglish on 16 May.

The Reds were 17 points away from a Champions League qualification spot, but won the League Cup and reached the FA Cup final. In contrast, Northern Irishman Rodgers guided his Swansea side to an impressive first season in the top flight, including a 1-0 win over Liverpool on the final day of the season.

Swansea released a statement from chairman Huw Jenkins on the club’s website on Wednesday, which read: “I was contacted by Liverpool last night and they expressed their wish to speak to Brendan regarding their vacancy.

“I had a discussion with Brendan to talk about their interest and his views on whether he wanted to speak to Liverpool.

“He expressed his wish with me to do that and he has spoken to Liverpool today.

“Following on from discussions with Liverpool’s owners, Brendan has informed us that he would like to take up their offer to manage Liverpool.”

Rodgers’ managerial career began at Watford in 2008 after coaching spells at Reading and Chelsea.

His return to Reading was an unhappy one but, after his appointment as Swansea boss in July 2010, Rodgers guided his Welsh side to promotion to the top flight in May 2011, making Swansea the first Welsh team to reach the Premier League.

Former England striker Gary Lineker, tweeted: “I feel this could be a very shrewd appointment. Totally gets the way the game’s evolving.”